Story of Vajreshwari Temple

The Vajreshwari temple at kangra is an ancient temple with many mythological stories woven around it. At one time, it was one of the richest temples in India. She is also known as mata Brajeshwari, vajrabai and vajrayogini Devi.

The mata Vajreshwari temple is one of the 51 shaktipeeth. It is said to have been founded by the goddess Bajreshwari herself during an ashwameda held at the spot. Mehmood of ghazni destroyed it and built a mosque on its ruins. But it was severely damaged by the earthquake in 1905 and was restored to its former glory. The deity here is mata shri Bajreshwari Devi also known as ‘kul Devi’ by the locals.

The Vajreshwari temple is a mid way on a hill with 52 steps leading to the temple. On the 27th step from the top, is a golden kurman worshipped as the kurma avatar of lord Vishnu. The pillar which is too are marvelously carved, depict images of different Hindu gods and goddess. The main temple housing to mata Bajreshwari Devi, the complex has two smaller temples. One of them is dedicated to the lord Bhairav and other to the Dhyanu Bhagat, a devotee of the Devi.

This temple is well connected to the other parts of himachal Pradesh. Gaggal airport is 8km from kangra town. The distance between kangra and pathankot is around 86km. palampur is just 17km from here and is easily accessible.